In the 1960s, there was a major rush towards suburban life. Out of the many postwar suburban developers, one emerged over the rest: William Levitt. He revolutionized the way that houses are built by using mass-production techniques to construct large housing developments (the first one being on Long Island, followed by New Jersey and Pennsylvania). These houses were nearly identical on the exterior, exactly identical on the interior, and most importantly, inexpensive. Each one costed less than $10,000, which was perfect for young couples looking to start families after the war.
GI Bill
In 1944, the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 was passed as part of an effort to provide for the soldiers who were coming back from the Second World War. This bill, better known as the GI Bill of Rights, helped supply both economic and educational assistance for the veterans. In addition, it helped veterans obtain low-cost, government-subsidized mortgages in not only Levittowns, but in housing complexes throughout the country. This was one of many acts passed during period designed to help prevent postwar unemployment and a return of the Depression.
Why the Suburbs?
After the war, Americans were placing a large amount of importance on family life. Young couples were eager to start families once they were back home, and found it easier to live in communities with many people around the same age. Nonworking mothers could share the burdens of raising children with other nonworking mothers, and the homes were larger than what could be afforded in the cities.
Race Controversy
Another motivation for moving to the suburbs was the idea of racially separated neighborhoods. While there were all-black suburbs, the majority were completely white. At the time, cities were becoming more and more integrated. By moving to the suburbs, people could assure that their children will be living and going to schools in a completely segregated environment, with children in relatively similar social and economic classes.
Levittown Housing
What is Levittown Housing?
In the 1960s, there was a major rush towards suburban life. Out of the many postwar suburban developers, one emerged over the rest: William Levitt. He revolutionized the way that houses are built by using mass-production techniques to construct large housing developments (the first one being on Long Island, followed by New Jersey and Pennsylvania). These houses were nearly identical on the exterior, exactly identical on the interior, and most importantly, inexpensive. Each one costed less than $10,000, which was perfect for young couples looking to start families after the war.
GI Bill
In 1944, the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 was passed as part of an effort to provide for the soldiers who were coming back from the Second World War. This bill, better known as the GI Bill of Rights, helped supply both economic and educational assistance for the veterans. In addition, it helped veterans obtain low-cost, government-subsidized mortgages in not only Levittowns, but in housing complexes throughout the country. This was one of many acts passed during period designed to help prevent postwar unemployment and a return of the Depression.
Why the Suburbs?
After the war, Americans were placing a large amount of importance on family life. Young couples were eager to start families once they were back home, and found it easier to live in communities with many people around the same age. Nonworking mothers could share the burdens of raising children with other nonworking mothers, and the homes were larger than what could be afforded in the cities.
Race Controversy
Another motivation for moving to the suburbs was the idea of racially separated neighborhoods. While there were all-black suburbs, the majority were completely white. At the time, cities were becoming more and more integrated. By moving to the suburbs, people could assure that their children will be living and going to schools in a completely segregated environment, with children in relatively similar social and economic classes.
Video Summary of Levittown Housing